Booklet 1 - Theories Of Religion

Question 1

Functional definition of religion

Answer 1

The social and physiological functions it performs for society - integration and comfort

Question 2

How does Durkheim define religion?

Answer 2

In terms of the contribution it makes to social integration rather than any specific belief in God or the supernatural

Question 3

Yinger definition of religion

Answer 3

Identifies functions that religion performs for individuals such as answering ‘ultimate questions’ about the meaning of life and what happens when we die

Question 4

Substantive definition of religion

Answer 4

Focuses on what religion actually is

Question 5

Weber definition of religion

Answer 5

Belief in a superior or supernatural power that is above nature and can’t be explained scientifically

Question 6

Construct definition of religion

Answer 6

The focus is on a process of understanding how a set of beliefs comes to exist

Question 7

What does Aldridge show about Scientology?

Answer 7

For its followers Scientology is a religion whereas several governments have denied legal status as a religion and sought to ban it - shows definitions of religion can be contested and are influenced by who has the power to define a situation

Question 8

What are the functions of religion according to Durkheim?

Answer 8

1. Social integration/ cohesion
2. Collective conscience - provides moral values for stability
3. Agent of secondary socialisation

Question 9

What are Durkheim 4 main ideas on religion?

Answer 9

1. The sacred and the profane
2. Totemism
3. Collective conscience
4. Cognitive functions

Question 10

The sacred and the profane

Answer 10

• key feature of religion = a distinction between the sacred and the profane
• sacred things inspire feelings of awe, wonder and fear
• profane has no special significance
• humans place significance on sacred objects or symbols
• religion tells us what’s sacred and normal e.g. bottle of wine at mass and at a supermarket
• religion seperates the profane and sacred

Question 11

Totemism

Answer 11

• Durkheim studied the Arunta Aboriginal Tribe - worship a totem which is the clans emblem representing their identity or origins
• rituals reinforce the clans sense of belonging and solidarity
  -Durkheim - when worshipping their totem they are worshipping society - feelings of awe and wonder are the groups power

Question 12

Collective conscience

Answer 12

• shared norms, values and beliefs and knowledge that make living possible
• Durkheim - regular rituals and moral codes reinforce the collective conscience and maintain social integration
• breaking moral codes brings consequences
• religion helps the individual feel a part of something bigger than themselves

Question 13

Cognitive functions of religion

Answer 13

• Durkheim believed religion was the origin of concepts and categories we need for reasoning, understanding the world and communication
• argues people need concepts to make sense of the world and we share these concepts to communicate effectively
• religion provides these concepts and so religion is the origin of human thought, reason and science

Question 14

Durkheim on Nationalism

Answer 14

Durkheim argues that nationalism was a type of religion - a civil religion because it has similar functions to more conventional religions

Question 15

Criticisms of Durkheim

Answer 15

• stretched the definition to include beliefs with no supernatural element
• despite similarities nationalism doesn’t provide ultimate meanings about the purpose of life or explanations of the origin of the universe

Question 16

What did Malinowski believe about religion

Answer 16

He agreed with Durkheim that religion reinforces social norms/ values and promotes social solidarity however religion also has a psychological function

Question 17

What did Malinowski argue was the main reason for rleigion?

Answer 17

to help individuals and society deal with the emotional stresses which occur during life crises e.g. birth or death

Question 18

What did Malinowski argue was the second function of rleigion?

Answer 18

to help people deal with situations or events which could not be fully controlled or predicted.

Question 19

What are the 2 functions of religion Parsons identifies?

Answer 19

1. Creates and legitimises society’s values - ingrained through socialisation - breaking religious and social rules = a guilty conscience having an almost controlling influence over people
2. Provides primary source of meaning- answers big questions to maintain a sense of justice and social stability - ‘mechanism of adjustment’ to help people make sense of uncontrollable life events

Question 20

What did Bellah argue about civil religion?

Answer 20

it integrates society in a way other religions and denominations can’t